Specialist, Airside Coordination (Term Opportunity Until April 2027)

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is a unique and dynamic place to work, with a bold plan to make Toronto Pearson, Canada’s leading global hub airport, a global leader in airport performance, customer care and sustainability. Together with our partners, approximately 2,100 GTAA employees are working to create a next-generation airport by innovating in all we do and striving for the most uplifting, safe and efficient experience for our passengers – all while championing the prosperity of our people, the community we call home, and our aviation partners. Join us on our journey together, as we put the joy back into travel and make Toronto Pearson the chosen place to fly and work.

What's in it for you!

As a GTAA employee, you’ll have access to amazing benefits, including retirement planning, comprehensive group health benefits, an employee assistance programs (EAP), paid leave, education and training, as well as recognition and rewards programs.

What you can expect from this position:

Reporting to the Manager, Aviation Programs and Coordination, this role is responsible for the coordination of airside activities including all airside movement areas, aerial devices onsite and offsite, and Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) to ensure safe, and efficient airport flow while mitigating operational risk to as low as practicable. Airside Coordination Specialists also assist and support the Aviation Compliance Specialists in maintaining the Transport Canada operating Airport Certificate. This is achieved via the execution of the Airside Activity Program, gate and taxi lane restrictions, and the aircraft stand mix (ASM) and associated dependencies (i.e. gate placards, bridging restrictions, A-VDGS). Airside Coordination Specialists ensure programmed activities are planned in conformance to the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) and all other applicable Transport Canada aviation standards (e.g. TP312 – Aerodrome Standards & Recommended Practices).

As a Specialist, Airside Coordination, you will:

• Participate in planning and coordination sessions related to the development of the annual capital construction program in advance of the construction season; Assess, develop and coordinate plans for the airside construction program through pre-planning sessions with GTAA departments, NAV Canada, Airlines, and other members of the airport community.


• Fulfill the function of the Airside Activity Coordinator via the Airside Activity Program (AAP) to coordinate all airside activities related to planned construction, routine maintenance, and ad hoc/special event requests to ensure the optimum operational flow of the airport on a day-to-day basis.


• Support day-of staff on an as needed basis during normal business hours with airside coordination activities and emergency closure requirements.


• Generate Notices-to-Airmen (NOTAMs) and Voice NOTAMs (VNs) as required for non-day-of activities.


• Monitor Airside Coordination, Crane, and RPAS inboxes.


• Assess airside coordination, Crane and RPAS requests to determine operational and system impacts.


• Develop and issue airside activity permits utilizing the MAXIMO (RMAX) software.


• Responsible for chairing the weekly Airside Activity Coordination meeting between internal and external partners. Completing weekly closure maps and distributing the minutes to relevant partners.


• Develop materials and assist in chairing the Monthly Airline Coordination Meeting.


• Support projects during planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closeout phases including conducting reviews of design and phasing drawings, developing and reviewing plans of operation, attending project meetings, and monitoring project process ensuring safety, compliance and operational integrity are protected.


• Conduct technical assessments and preparation of drawings using CAD/Microstation software.


• Review and approve crane permit applications in line with the airport's obstacle limitation surfaces and TP312 requirements to ensure operational.


• Plan, modify and update aircraft stands and apron taxi lanes to ensure safe, compliant operations and support GTAA Engineering through operational reviews.


• Design ad hoc parking plans and assess ad hoc non-standard aircraft movements.


• Develop the Plan of Construction Operations (PCO) document and Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) for Capital Rehabilitation Projects.

This unionized position is classified at the Band 8 level, with an hourly wage range of $53.06, based on a 37.5 hour work week. As part of the recruitment process, you will be required to complete a test.

This is the role for you, if you have:

• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in airport operations or airline operations.


• Experience in the provision of Apron Advisory, Air Traffic Control ATC, Flight Service Specialist FSS, Flight Dispatch or flying experience would be a distinct asset.


• Experience with civil construction activities, or any airside technical related activities would be a distinct asset.


• Valid Provincial G Class Drivers’ License.


• Must possess a D/AVOP permit or be able to obtain within 30 days.


• Must possess an Aeronautical Radio License.


• Post-secondary diploma or degree in Aviation, Engineering, or Business, or 10 years of equivalent experience in these fields.


• Project Management Professional designation an asset.


• Obtain and retain Transportation Security Clearance.

Knowledge and skills you bring, that set-you up for success:

• Interpret, apply and provide domain expertise on regulations and processes and procedures that impact the airside which include but are not limited: Aeronautics Act and CARS, TP312 certification standards; ICAO Annexes, guidelines, and standards; GTAA airside guidelines and policies; NAV Canada practices; low visibility practices and operations; and surface movement guidance and control system development.


• Understanding of architectural and civil planning and design activities.


• Awareness of aircraft planning and characteristics manual.


• Knowledge of procurement process and ability to participate in bid proposal reviews.


• Knowledge of construction activities and processes.


• Knowledge of Project Management activities including the life cycle of a project, and general sequencing of activities.


• Interpret and develop project schedules in MS Project or equivalent scheduling system.


• Solid understanding of gate design, Gate mix charts, adjacency rules, and stop line placards.


• Knowledge of investigative and inspection techniques methodology and ability to apply them to practical situations in order to facilitate safe movement of aircraft and flight safety.


• Functional knowledge of partner emergency and operational procedures including aircraft, airline, air traffic services, and airport operations.


• Functional knowledge of airside activities and all related operating systems such as visual aids to navigation (airfield lighting, signage and markings), Advanced -Visual Docking Guidance System (A-VDGS), ground service equipment, passenger boarding bridges.


• Reviewing complex drawings and using applied airport operational knowledge and logic to mitigate safety or operational concerns that need to be addressed. Provide phasing and sequencing drawings inclusive of developing solutions, procedures, practices and operational restrictions to ensure safe and effective airside operational flow.


• Demonstrate operational flows, constraints to optimize the balance between construction activities to support airside operational performance.


• Knowledge of Safety Management Systems including GTAA specific Policies and Procedures and ability to apply SMS and related policies and procedures for the purpose of preventative and/or corrective action.


• Learn and apply detailed knowledge of Toronto Pearson International Airport topography inclusive of apron gate adjacency rules; layout of the aprons, taxiways, and runways; runway/taxiway combinations used by Air Traffic Control and ability to keep current with changing rules, conditions and/or plans.


• Analyze operational situations and make decisions Including opening and closing runways to facilitate the safe movement of aircraft and optimize capacity.


• Conduct meetings to provide updates on all coordination activities.


• Applied knowledge of the operating characteristics, dimensions, capacities and turning radius of aircraft which commonly use the aprons and gates and ability to keep current with changing rules, conditions and/or plans. Applied knowledge of the Airside Activity Program including GTAA specific roles and policies as they relate to the program.


• Implement and operate the Airside Activity Program daily as it relates to all activities on the airfield.


• Interpret and adapt various GTAA programs, systems and methods in practical and anticipated situations to develop various solutions or mitigation methodologies.


• Knowledge and understanding of relationships across internal (GTAA) and external (Nav Canada, Transport Canada, contractors, etc.) partner processes and activities and the ability to manage those inter-relationships.


• Proficient in the applications of Computer Assisted Drafting (CAD) (e.g. Autocad or Microstation).


• Write and interpret NOTAMS.


• Write technical aeronautical related reports, operational plans and standard operating procedures based on interpreting and applying applicable legislation regulations, and best practices.


• Develop and deliver training programs for internal and external partners.


• Applied knowledge of airfield/apron design.


• Learn about drone operations including components of a drone, theory of flight, drone use, modes of operation, and applicable regulations.

The GTAA is committed to Employment Equity and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.